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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke claimed City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

Leeds made the poorest start with Phil Foden finding the net within the first minute, prior to Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's lead ahead of the interval

Second-Half Comeback Thwarted

However, the visitors fought back after the break after a adjustment of tactics and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting immediately after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City visibly struggling to cope with the changes just before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma went down to receive treatment, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the touchline and deliver new instructions during the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is clever. If I approve? If it's within the sense of fair play? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is for the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Frustration

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"If we don't educate our footballers in the game what to do in regards of fair play and sportsmanship and everything and if we simply try to bend the rules and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the rules I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Winner

Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to leave them eighteenth in the Premier League, with only bottom club Wolverhampton having scored fewer Premier League strikes this season

Strategic Adjustments

However, Daniel Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of adventure particularly around changes, was almost rewarded for a bold choice at the half-time that nearly reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Foden, stated that his side were only able to reorganize following Guardiola's sideline conference with his squad

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they deployed a pair in attack and changed the formation a little bit," commented Phil Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Encouraging Aspects for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds lost four straight consecutive Premier League matches was in 2022-23, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "our main emotion is frustration", their second period display offered enough evidence to suggest they are able of halting their present run and climbing up the table

"To show such a performance should provide us lots of confidence. If we demonstrate such determination and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the points," the manager continued

"We possessed the belief before the match, throughout the game and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a performance like that. We have strong unity and determination in the locker room"

Pundit Opinion

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, ex- Scottish club attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second period"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this display with the way they have played in this second half"

"Then came Daniel Farke's adjustments, who is often criticised for not being as responsive as he ought to be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it could be a huge turning point in Leeds United's season, but City found a measure of brilliance. They got away with one this afternoon"